The event known as the "Sending Out of the Seventy-Two" is a significant moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ, recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This event is found in Luke 10:1-24, where Jesus appoints seventy-two of His followers and sends them out in pairs to prepare the way for His own visits to various towns and places.

Biblical Account:

In Luke 10:1-2 , the Scripture states: "After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. And He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.'"

Purpose and Instructions:

The primary purpose of sending out the seventy-two was to prepare the people for Jesus' arrival and to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God. Jesus provided specific instructions to these disciples, emphasizing reliance on God's provision and the urgency of their mission. In Luke 10:3-4 , Jesus instructs them: "Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse or bag or sandals. Do not greet anyone along the road."

The instructions highlight the need for dependence on God and the urgency of their mission. The disciples were to focus on their task without being distracted by social customs or material concerns.

Reception and Response:

Jesus instructed the seventy-two on how to respond to the hospitality or rejection they might encounter. In Luke 10:5-6 , He says: "Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you."

The disciples were to stay in one house in each town, accepting the hospitality offered, and not moving from house to house seeking better accommodations. This instruction is found in Luke 10:7 : "Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house."

Proclamation and Miracles:

The seventy-two were empowered to heal the sick and proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of God. In Luke 10:9 , Jesus commands: "Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’"

Their mission was not only to prepare the way for Jesus but also to demonstrate the power and presence of the Kingdom through acts of healing and proclamation.

Return and Rejoicing:

Upon their return, the seventy-two reported their experiences with joy, particularly noting that even demons submitted to them in Jesus' name. In Luke 10:17 , it is recorded: "The seventy-two returned with joy and said, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.'"

Jesus responded by affirming their authority over the enemy and encouraging them to rejoice not in their power over spirits, but in their salvation. In Luke 10:20 , He says: "Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Theological Significance:

The sending out of the seventy-two is a profound demonstration of the mission and authority given to Jesus' followers. It underscores the importance of evangelism, reliance on divine provision, and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. This event also foreshadows the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

The passage highlights the joy and fulfillment found in serving Christ and participating in His mission, as well as the assurance of salvation for those who are faithful to His call.